Clan Chattan (Chattan Tartan)

2. Chattan Clan History (Chattan Tartan)

 The "Clan of the Cats" was never just one family; rather, it was a confederation or community of families, some of which had been linked and others of which had not. In heraldry, the wildcat is frequently used to distinguish the families involved.

An 1873–1874 portrait of the leader of the time, Cluny MacPherson

The majority of people think Saint Cattan is where the name originated. The baillie of Ardchattan's abbey lands, who went by the name Gillichattan Mor, is regarded as the first clan leader and was his servant.

Malcolm II's reign saw the family acquire holdings in Glenloy and Loch Arkaig, and Torcastle was designated as the chief's residence.

The sixth chief Dougall Dall's only child, Eva, wed Angus, sixth Laird of MacKintosh, in 1291. Clan Chattan's new captain was Angus.

If the chiefship was a heritable honor that Eva could have bestowed upon her, it was debatable.

According to the Clan MacPherson leaders, they have the right to lead Clan Chattan since they are descended from Muireach, the chief of Clan Chattan in 1173. For 200 years, this argument was in progress.

In the era of Angus and Eva, there were also land disputes that would endure 400 years. Angus Og of Islay made the decision to leave Torcastle and retreat to Rothiemurchus since he had Angus Og of Islay as an opponent.

The Camerons then entered the Arkaig lands, declaring their right to conquest, and made the claim that the lands had been abandoned. The Clan Chattan confederation began to take shape in the fourteenth century.

Other clans that joined forces with the MacPhersons included the MacPhails, MacBeans, Cattanachs, MacKintoshs, and their cadet branches, the Shaws, MacCombies, Ritchies, MacThomas', and Farquharsons.

The Davidsons and MacAndrews were other associate families that were not related by blood. The MacQueens of Pollochaig, the MacGillivrays, the MacLeans of Dochgarroch, and the MacIntyres of Badenoch.

After the 1745 uprising, Clan Chattan had severe losses, and the MacKintoshs took over as the leading clan.

 3. Chattan Tartans

Logan's 'The Scottish Gael' contains a description of the Chattan tartan. It is further highlighted as he states "the chief also wears a particular tartan of a very showy pattern." He is referring to the clan MacKintosh's chief.

The main Clans of MacKintosh, MacGillivray, MacBean, Shaw, MacThomas, MacLeans of Dochgarroch, Macpherson, Farquharson, Davidson, MacPhail, MacQueens of Strathdearn, and the MacIntyres of Badenoch are all members of the Clan Chattan.

Available in light, medium, old & rare, and heavyweight varieties

Count: R/48 K4 W4 G12 W4 Y4 R4 K4 R4 Y4 W4 A12 K4 R6 W/4

Chattan

4. Chattan Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Chattan Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

4.2 Clan Chattan Coat of Arms

Note on Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is given to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist.

With the exclusions listed above, the weapons depicted below are personal weapons. The only person authorized to use these weapons is the grantee.

Chattan Standard

The captain of Clan CHATTAN

Or, a lymphad, Azure, sails furled, Proper, and flagged, Gules, its oars in saltire

5. Chattan Places & People

6. Associated Names

A confederation of Clans known as Clan Chattan includes the main Clans of:

MacKintosh MacGillivray MacBean Shaw MacThomas Macleans of Dochgarroch Macpherson Farquharson Davidson MacPhail MacQueens of Strathdearn MacIntyres in Badenoch